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“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

Cottage in Surf City with kitchen and patio

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Photo gallery for “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

Interior
Exterior
2 bedrooms, WiFi, bed sheets
TV, video games
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Surf City, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Inis Spa
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Surf City Pier
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Surf City

This cottage places you next to Surf City Beach and within a 5-minute walk of Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
View more Cottages in Surf CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Inis Spa - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Seacoast Art Gallery - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Surf City Pier - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tortuga’s Nest - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Buddy's Crab House And Oyster Bar - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Crab Pot - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Sear's Landing - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

A lovely, 2nd row, beach cottage, perfect for your stay at Surf City! Within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and public beach access. Open plan with spacious screened in back patio.
TV, cable, and WiFi also provided. Full kitchen to allow your family to enjoy home cooked meals too!

The Fishbowl has a spacious, screened in back porch, a perfect place to chill and enjoy a quiet morning cup of coffee. A gas grill is also available for use by guests.

The Fishbowl sits on the 2nd row road, oceanside, about 100 yards from a convenient beach access point. From the front porch, local restaurants, bars, and shops are just across the street within walking distance.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a coffee maker.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

https://----------------

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: There is an additional $100 pet fee

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
The Fishbowl The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!
“The Fishbowl” The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near this cottage?

Located steps from Surf City Beach, this cottage is in Surf City, and within a 10-minute walk of Inis Spa and Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi. You'll also find Surf City Pier and Southside Park less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at this cottage?

No, there isn't parking at this cottage.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What do couples enjoy most about “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

Couples staying at this cottage will appreciate amenities like a kitchen and video games as well as a garden.

Does “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! have a hot tub?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage include breakfast service?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Does this cottage have connecting rooms?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), which is about 24.2 mi away. Another top airport is Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ), which is around 27.8 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

Yes, every accommodation at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! comes with a deck.

Reviews

“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.0/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Cherry M.

Location was great, easy access to beach and to shopping.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent location. 100 yards to beach and we walked to all Surf City shops. About 1/2 mile away. House was great. We enjoyed our stay. We would go back again. The host let us check in early which was awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOHN W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ideal location close to beach. Owner is responsive to any questions/needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory s.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was a great weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronda R.

Liked: Cleanliness
It’s a great location but the back door to screen porch should be fixed my dog ran right out he’s fine. The home was clean but no condiments available no salt or pepper so he sure to buy all you need
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness

The Fish Bowl

We absolutely loved our stay here at the fishbowl. Walking distance to the shops and right next to a public beach access, plus pet friendly. We had a fantastic time and would choose to stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect home away from home.

We were able to stay in The Fishbowl while we searched for a permanent home in the area. It was a perfect location and very accessible to great restaurants, local fish markets, coffee shops, and more! We were grateful for our time there, enjoying the sound of the waves and the breeze from the ocean.
Stayed 62 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Vivian M.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Property management needed

We checked in at 5:30p.m. for a week long stay and after going out to dinner, we returned to find that one of bedrooms had no working lights, bulb out? Idk. But that would pale to the cleanliness issues. The couches are some old dorm room rejects that my dog and child wouldn’t sit on. The owner responded quickly. However, after I sent pics of the problem areas, i.e. sticky and dirty interior door to name one, scheduling the cleaners became an issue of when it suited the owner. I declined cleaning as I didn’t want to spend more than a day on this issue and I would just diy it(no vacancies elsewhere ). In short, I returned to the rental after a quick errand and the cleaners were inside without my permission. Per the owner, there is no one nearby to help remedy issues like replacing the bulb and there were no step stools or safe way to change the lightbulb myself. Toilet has issues. Location is great the floor plan of this house is also great. Sadly this could have been a great rental but I didn't get a vacation from cleaning or plumbing. PDF for occupant guidelines were incorrect and dated,( wrong day for trash pickup so the smell from the outdoor [full] trash bin for pick up would hit us in the face every time when entered the front door. Had to ask the neighbor for trash day info. We left a day early.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Norberto (Bert) R., Cary, North Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome with closeness to beach

Stayed with wife and 2 of the 4 grandkids. Arrived and found the house was not cleaned. contacted the host and she got in touch with cleaning personnel that arrived shortly. They did a great job and oh BTW it's not the host's fault. she had it scheduled. one of the rooms had a repair on the wall by the Circuit Breaker box that needs painting. The AC unit worked flawlessly and there was plenty Hot Water. The rear porch is filled with all kinds of items to use on the beach. The kids tried a Boogie Board and loved it. Walk to the beach access (#12) is less than 50 yds. from the house. They left paper plates and utensils , however, we preferred the real stuff. I made some suggestions for an even greater experience that I shared with the host and she agreed to look into them and incorporate them. We are going back to Topsail Beach but the dates were already booked at this house. We will definitely stay in another year. Price is super as compared to other fancy places.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bradford S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Baby Girls Beach Trip

Had a great time house is small but very nice fit perfect for myself wife and three little ones along with one dog. Nice yard area. Lots of beach items for the kids to use and we added to them. Do to reasons we had to leave two days early to return home. Very close and easy access to the beach nice area. Would defiantly stay again
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful vacation

This is a great location. Quiet neighborhood. Perfect size for a small family. I would definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice winter getaway

My daughter and I were in town visiting my three sons who live on the island. This was a perfect location for us. Close to EVERYTHING! The owner was very prompt with communication. Nice touch to have a basket of holiday goodies upon arrival. One big plus is to have linens, towels, kitchen supplies etc all there. Thank you for a nice stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angel E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Thanksgiving trip

We wanted a nice little getaway for Thanksgiving and our dog had recently been diagnosed with heart failure and had never seen the beach so we wanted to include her. We were glad we found a pet friendly house so close to the beach! A nice lil basket awaited us at the house with dog treats and snacks for the kids. Whole town was very pet friendly. House was a super close walk to the beach and in a quiet area but close enough to some good restaurants. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R., jonesville nc

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect get away!!

We couldn't have picked a better pet friendly place at the beach! Crystal was a great host and the fishbowl had everything anyone would need for the beach and I mean everything from toys to fishing rods to a surfboard. A great place for pets complete with a tie-out and a big yard plus a nice treat basket for us and our pets!! A very short walk to the beach! The house was stocked with everything as well from linens to a completely stocked kitchen..a screened in back porch with a gas grill and big table to enjoy dinner outside...Can't wait until next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved The fishbowl!

Thanks for the amazing place to stay! My girlfriend and I and our german shepherd had an amazing time! We loved the house! Everything we needed plus more was furnished. Easy unloading/ loading the vehicle. The back deck was nice to place for our chairs, etc because of the sand. And the water hose on the side of the house was nice to spray off before we went inside! Short walk to the beach! 10/10 would recommend to anyone! Thanks for the opportunity!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Labor Day stay

Property was in good shape and very close to beach access. Very cute bungalow. We would definitely stay again. Communication with host was very helpful and timely.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chrishana W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

We enjoyed our time. Sweet house, close to beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Surf City

Cozy, close to beach and walking distance to everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Such a cute place!

We really enjoyed our trip to “The Fishbowl “! It’s a great location close to the beach and to lots of good food and shopping. Plenty of room and we loved the porch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tricia S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Beach Cottage for Family of 4

This little beach cottage was perfect for our family of 4. Beach access was so close! We had everything we needed to have a great week. We enjoyed having the kitchen and 1 bedroom for the adults and 1 for the kids. Crystal was good at communicating with us. She provided a cute basket of treats for the kids. We would rent from her again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Oren H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Don’t Expect Tajmahal

Easy beach access 1/2 block; 3/4 mile walk to “old town” Surf City; 2 blocks to High Waters Sports Bar and Grill and to Herring’s Outdoor Sports. Furnishing style is “single surfer dude second hand store”. Kitchen is functional and propane grill works. Internet is serviceable and each tv has Roku streaming with the Roku channel - you’ll have to use your own login for Netflix,etc. The bathroom is about what you would expect in an old double wide unit. Good place for the dog and served our needs for a week.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

James J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home away from home

Truly enjoyed my stay at this cottage convienantly located to the beach and restaraunts. Will stay again. I recommend this cottage for your getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kayla H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful

We loved our stay. Very clean and dog friendly! Short walk to the beach 10/10 would definitely stay again!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Darryl W.

Disliked: Cleanliness

The fishbowl

The only positive about this property is thats its a short walk to the beach. A bed pillow had blood stains on it. The faucet in the shower had black and green mold. There was thick soap scum on the shower walls. We found a dead cockroach in one of the bedrooms. The ceiling fan/light in the living area didn't work. Several light bulbs were burnt out. Thick, black dust around vents and light fixtures. We have emailed the host and have heard nothing from her.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cale F., Winston Salem, NC

Liked: Cleanliness

Great beach stay

Perfect for a family beach trip. Its got enough space, great outdoor area, and is very close to the beach access point. I hope to return again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

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